You're likely right about only dressing one reserve offensive lineman per game B.C. Fan.The four-man reserve list is a great cushion for a coach. He can keep four players on the roster and under contract but just not dress them, so he only has to cut to 46. The reserve list can change each game. Wally kept Pikula out of the grasp of opposing teams this way for most of last year (he played in only three games), but that's a valuable spot to use for a second straight season.
I can't see dressing Plante and Valli each game. Backup linemen aren't usually valuable as special-teamers, so the Lions normally go with just one backup. Both of them looked good in their relief duties Friday so I don't know which one will dress. If it's Plante, Valli would likely have to be kept on the reserve.
Similarly, I can't see keeping Rodgers and Jones on the 42-man roster. Jones was brought in last year as an injury replacement for Tony Simmons, who is back and starting the season healthy. The Lions also are blessed with non-imports who can play inside and outside receiver spots. I'm not sure that Boden shouldn't be starting. Smart, a backup running back, will be a designated import used as the primary kick returner, while either Rodgers, Jones, Boden or Mitchell will be a second returner. I'm leaning toward keeping Rodgers and putting Jones on the reserve.
The Lions have traditionally used their depth at receiver to start more than the required seven Canadians, and thus be able to dress import backups who can rotate with Canadian starters. Foley and Wake could be used that way this year, with Foley starting if he earns that position. I'm sure Wake's leaping abilities will be utilized on special teams. The Lions also traditionally use an extra import linebacker as a backup and special teams demon, and I'd lean to using Hannah in that role.
I don't think Wally will go with Rodgers right off the getgo. Jones is familiar with the offence and will likely be given the benefit of that to begin with until Rodgers gets up to speed...but who knows...Wally isn't afraid to shake things up and Rodgers adds the fact that he can return the football.I also like your thoughts on Boden. He may be young but I can't see Wally giving him away when he has so much potential.
I'm surprised at your views on Marsh though. I find him an excellent corner and he has to cover the oppositions best wide reciever. I thought teams avoided the shortside of the Leos defense a lot last season due to Marsh and Banks ability.
However, Dennis and Mitchell bring other assets to the mix and if they don't make the lineup they will be brought along. I also agree that Knowlton better play better in his next exhibition game.
I seriously considered the Leos going with Hannah on the active 42 man roster because that's what the Leos have done in the past for special teams. However, another option is that they could go with an extra import back...not probable but certainly possible.
I don't see Crawford or Weisila making the active roster but that's why I created this thread....because we'll have some different perspectives and it will make it even more interesting when they make the announcement prior to the regular season.